A small population of whale sharks occurs off the west coast of Mafia Island, some 10-15km offshore from the central Tanzanian coast. The sharks are most commonly observed when feeding at the surface between the months of October and April. The population dynamics, seasonal movements and interactions of these whale sharks with others in the region are not well understood. The sharks are vulnerable to local fishing and tourism activities, both of which are likely to increase over time.
Sea Sense is working closely with local fishers in Mafia who interact with whale sharks during their daily fishing activities. Some fishers are known to use whale sharks to help locate schools of fish. This practice has led to a number of whale sharks becoming entangled in nets and being hit by boat propellers. Sea Sense has organised a number of education workshops for fishers to raise awareness of whale shark conservation and promote fishing practices that do not cause harm or distress to whale sharks.
A whale shark tourism industry is growing steadily in Mafia Island. The whale sharks are commonly seen between October and April which coincides with the peak tourist season in Tanzania. Sea Sense, together with a variety of stakeholders, is aiming to facilitate the development of effective regulatory mechanisms that will ensure any growth in the whale shark tourism industry is managed appropriately and the welfare of the whale sharks is protected.
Sea Sense has implemented several whale shark education programmes using song, art and drama to convey simple messages about the importance of whale sharks in Mafia Island. Students have also been taken to see the whale sharks themselves during World Environment Day celebrations.
Sea Sense is currently working on an exciting new initiative to address the issue of plastic...
